So it was with a certain degree of trepidation after I saw ‘classical music’ as an influence that I pressed play to hear the music of The Shadow Orchestra. It is with a great degree of jubilation that they are no Katherine Jenkins.

I was contacted by the Band’s harpist Kat Arney. Yes, you read that right – Harp – and it features heavily on their new Remaker EP. The Shadow Orchestra though was originally the solo work of cellist and producer Chris Bangs – and his 2006 eponymous release received airplay on BBC Radio 1 and 3.

Despite the record’s success Bangs decided to rely less on his laptop and assembled, alongside Arney, drummer Dave Oliver, guitarist Nick Siddall and singer and multi-instrumentalist Mary Erskine.

The expansion of The Shadow Orchestra seems to have worked wonders. Remaker still has plenty of hints towards the experimental electronica of Aphex Twin or even composer Jonathan Harvey. But with the added forces you can appreciate some exquisitely performed instrumental layers which have been crafted together to make ethereal soundscapes, whilst Esrkine’s vocals float elegantly above.

You can buy Remaker for what you like. Before you decide how much you want to pay, have a listen to my favourite track from the EP. Thanks to the band for this song – cause it’s helped take some of the edge off that saw.

The Shadow Orchestra – Time and Distance mp3

Although Bloch is best known for his powerful Jewish works, I love his innate ability to compose in a variety of styles with great skill. His Concerto Grosso No. 2, for example, won the New York Music Critics’ Circle Award (a Concerto Grosso is a baroque form of composition).

Today I received some very sad news, and as usual I turned to music to console me. I listened to Prayer – No 1. from Jewish Life, for cello and string orchestra. I find it to be one of the most moving and lyrical pieces of music ever composed. This performance is from Jan Vogler’s excellent cello album My Tunes.

Ernest Bloch – Prayer, No. 1 from Jewish Life (mp3)

In stark contrast to Prayer, his String Quintet No. 1, showcases Bloch‘s academical prowess in composition. The first movement opens with ghostly quarter tones in the string quartet. In the meantime the piano plays the leitmotif which forms the basis for the whole Quintet.

I have been completely spell bound by this quintet since I bought the critically acclaimed Hyperion recording. Every time I listen to it I make another discovery.

Ernest Bloch – String Quintet No. 1 – 1st Movement – Agitato (mp3)